Packing list (for hospital or birth center) « Back to Group Discussions

[withlittlelungs]

I know that there are a lot of home births happening, and birth center births don't require as much packing. But still thought it would be helpful for the ladies birthing out of home to discuss what they're going to pack in their bags. My list is super long, but I feel like I'm missing things!

iPod

Games

Laptop/charger

Cell phones/chargers

Water bottle

Snacks

Vitamins

Pillow

Blanket

Toiletries (face wash, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion, chapstick)
Camera/Camcorder

Birth plan

Nursing pillow

Girasol wrap

Pen

Notebook

Slippers/socks

Tennis ball
Birth necklace/labor book

Clothes for DP

Clothes for me

Nursing bra

breast pads

Towel

Swaddle blankets

baby clothes

hats

Headphones

Robe

Wallet/IDs

Should I bring my breast pump? I know they have them at the hospital if I need one. I just feel like I'm going to have to bring a massive bag to fit all of this stuff!

[Melany]

The hospital had a breast pump if you needed one. To make sure, you might call to ask the L&D nurse what the policy is and how hard it is to borrow for use.

I brought a robe and never used it. It took up a ton of space in my bag and just made it more to carry. 

Cloths you might want to labor in.

List of phone numbers of who you will call, even though they are in your phone. 

[Bena]

Um....I don't see anything there for baby(ies)! Pj's, receiving blankets, clothes to gk home (depending on the weather), hats, diapers and, most importantly, carseat!!

[Bena]

Originally Posted by Bena 

Um....I don't see anything there for baby(ies)! Pj's, receiving blankets, clothes to gk home (depending on the weather), hats, diapers and, most importantly, carseat!!

Oops...sorry! You did include baby stuff!!! I should sleep!!!

[Bena]

Btw...how long is a typical stay there? You sound like you're planning on staying a while. Our hospital mw birth stay is typically 4-12 houra after birth. If that is the case then you don't need much, really. If things change maybe you can keeo a bag at home that someone could pick up and bring you if you end up staying longer.

[spughy]

My list contains:

- clothes (just to go home in, otherwise I'm taking advantage of the hospital gowns): comfy pants, nursing tank, sweatshirt.  I'm not planning on looking pretty.

- herbs for milk production (blessed thistle & fenugreek)

- moby wrap

- coconut water

- snacks (trail mix & beef jerky - for after the birth, not before... and only if the nearby pub is closed, otherwise my post-birth meal is gonna be a nice big burger)

- phone

- water bottle

- wallet

- baby clothes

- diapers

The hospital has all the towels, pillows, robes, disposable undies, breast pumps etc. I could ask for.  I will get DD to pack a bag of things she might want to entertain herself with as well.  DH is in charge of the camera.

[Melany]

Originally Posted by Bena 

Btw...how long is a typical stay there? 

Depends on how it goes. When I didn't get the IV antibiotics for GBS during labor, they made us stay there for 5 days to make sure baby was ok. Also, baby was little (5lbs 7oz), so they really wanted us to "stay" to be watched, which in retrospect was so unnecessary. My water broke minutes before he came out during the pushing stage which really limits the risk. Had that not been my 1st baby, I would have known to argue to go home much sooner. With my daughter's birth, the doctor said I could go home the same day if I wanted to. Much nicer. :) But, we stayed overnight because hubby was nervous about taking baby home so soon. He's come a long way since we're planning to avoid the hospital this time around. :)

[akind1]

Birth Center vs Hospital may well be a different list - I don't know what all things the birth center may keep on hand (like if they keep food and drink available, or if you need to bring your own) Some birth centers require you bring your own sheets.

I will be having a hospital birth. so my list reflect that.

For me:

Robe

iPhone

charger

nursing gowns

nursing bra

book to read

maybe cards

a couple essential oils

clothes for going home

toothbrush and paste 

deodorant

- all other toiletries, I can get from the hospital and they are going to charge me for them anyway

Birth and Baby Plan

For DH

Extra shirt (he may get messy at some point during the birth. at the very least, he might get sweaty)

iPad

iPhone

chargers

For Baby

sleepers/sacs

going home outfit

a couple crochet hats

muslin blankets

socks

I don't really tend to pack extensively - I'm a light packer. And I also know that anything forgotten can be brought later or the hospital can likely supply.

OP: I honestly wouldn't bring my wrap - I don't tend to actually wear baby the first week (unless going for a walk) - most of my time in is spent in bed or going to the bathroom, or sitting down. Unless of course, you are using it during labor (I've seen images of using it to help position baby) - in which case I really wouldn't use it - I use some other piece of fabric. a long beach towel or twin sized sheet or something.

[writermama12]

I am birthing at a birth center ( unless I don't make it there:) ) and don't need much. Last time, I only used a couple of things. My birth was very short and so I didn't need any distractions. I may still include some "entertainment" or focus stuff in case this birth takes longer.

going home outfit for me

going home outfit for baby + blanket + hat

Baby diapers + wipes (3 in case we're there longer)

nail clippers (for baby)

bikini top for me

trunks for DH

nursing bra

snacks (granola bars, beef jerky, cheese, nuts & dried fruit, turkey slices and rolls)

ice pack (for ride home)

CDs (labor room has a player)

a book for DH to read aloud (a favorite book of mine)

a DVD (Casablanca or other favorite)

Towel (for car ride home, I am a heavy bleeder)

Camera

Laptop

I don't need any toiletries because I will only stay there for a few hours. Last time I left at exactly four hours later and was ready sooner than that but had to observe their policy. 

[beautifulnm]

Originally Posted by spughy 

My list contains:

- snacks (trail mix & beef jerky - for after the birth, not before... and only if the nearby pub is closed, otherwise my post-birth meal is gonna be a nice big burger)

If my birth happens <2pm, I'm eating eggs benedict post-birth. Extra hollandaise, please. Is it wrong to plan my birth around what food I can have immediately after? ;)

writer, four hours! crap. I thought 2 days was quick. I think we'll be going the Nemo/Madagascar dvds route for ds. Will probably be a little crumby having him cooped up, but the beach and playgrounds aren't far away for some dad-and-him outings. 

We'll probably drag all the iPhone and laptop stuff with us. 

[spughy]

Originally Posted by beautifulnm 

If my birth happens <2pm, I'm eating eggs benedict post-birth. Extra hollandaise, please. Is it wrong to plan my birth around what food I can have immediately after? ;)

No I'm pretty sure that's how birth plans ought to be planned.  And that also sounds like a good idea, although I think eggs benny are more pre-noon food, and burgers post-noon - but that's just being nitpicky.  I need to research if anywhere close to our hospital has decent eggs benny...

[Bena]

Originally Posted by beautifulnm 

If my birth happens <2pm, I'm eating eggs benedict post-birth. Extra hollandaise, please. Is it wrong to plan my birth around what food I can have immediately after? ;)

Oh no!!!  Do plan food!!

I have a friend who pushed for 3 hours focusing only on the cashew nuts she would eat after.  If cashews can motivate someone like that, can you just imagine what eggs benedicts will do!

[beautifulnm]

Originally Posted by spughy 

No I'm pretty sure that's how birth plans ought to be planned.  And that also sounds like a good idea, although I think eggs benny are more pre-noon food, and burgers post-noon - but that's just being nitpicky.  I need to research if anywhere close to our hospital has decent eggs benny...

what about a burger with a poached egg and hollandaise on top? mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... 

[cabbitdancer]

LOL My husband and I have already decided that someone is getting sent to the Chinese restaurant one town over from the hospital where we intend to deliver, to pick up some of their DE-licious jalapeno chicken. XD

[beautifulnm]

Originally Posted by cabbitdancer 

LOL My husband and I have already decided that someone is getting sent to the Chinese restaurant one town over from the hospital where we intend to deliver, to pick up some of their DE-licious jalapeno chicken. XD

I don't know what's going on today, but everything sounds great. I've been skipping on the chinese food I love, and I imagine your jalapeno chicken is heavenly. There's a place called chun wah kam here that makes such great gau gee, pork hash, manapua (think like mostly savory meat doughnut). They made the traditional but also a variation that is Hawaiian sweet bread stuffed with kalua pig (smokey pulled pork) and char siu (pig again with hoisin, red bean curd, and DELICIOUSNESS). holy pork fat batman, they're amazing.

[spughy]

Originally Posted by beautifulnm 

I don't know what's going on today, but everything sounds great. I've been skipping on the chinese food I love, and I imagine your jalapeno chicken is heavenly. There's a place called chun wah kam here that makes such great gau gee, pork hash, manapua (think like mostly savory meat doughnut). They made the traditional but also a variation that is Hawaiian sweet bread stuffed with kalua pig (smokey pulled pork) and char siu (pig again with hoisin, red bean curd, and DELICIOUSNESS). holy pork fat batman, they're amazing.

OMG.  I think sleep deprivation is just like a hangover because that sounds freakin' amazing. 

[withlittlelungs]

Now I am starving!! I need to research restaurants near the hospital!

[SlimP]

Ah yes, the food is of utmost importance, and hospital food sucks! After I was coerced into an induction with DS, DH smuggled me in dinner from my favourite wholefood restaurant. When I realised labour was progressing quickly, I downed my miso soup and veggies before alerting my midwife as they don't allow eating/drinking in case of emergency surgery.
Although the tea and toast I had immediately after the birth was divine, I think I can do better! Eggs Benedict, now I'm gonna have to have that tomorrow, not to mind post-partum (I'm very susceptible to yummy suggestions.)

Because I was planning a home birth last time but ended up in hospital, I had nothing with me. No toiletries, clothes, diapers, nada. We only stayed 12 hours though and DH brought in baby clothes. Some of the staff were kinda shaking their heads in dismay at me though......

[beautifulnm]

Originally Posted by SlimP 

Ah yes, the food is of utmost importance, and hospital food sucks! After I was coerced into an induction with DS, DH smuggled me in dinner from my favourite wholefood restaurant. When I realised labour was progressing quickly, I downed my miso soup and veggies before alerting my midwife as they don't allow eating/drinking in case of emergency surgery.
Although the tea and toast I had immediately after the birth was divine, I think I can do better! Eggs Benedict, now I'm gonna have to have that tomorrow, not to mind post-partum (I'm very susceptible to yummy suggestions.)

Because I was planning a home birth last time but ended up in hospital, I had nothing with me. No toiletries, clothes, diapers, nada. We only stayed 12 hours though and DH brought in baby clothes. Some of the staff were kinda shaking their heads in dismay at me though......

I had a "surprise" induction. The crazy medwife called me in for a BPP I wasn't scheduled for and I didn't leave the hospital again until after I'd had my son :P DS' Godfather and DH brought whatever we needed to the hospital.

[spughy]

Originally Posted by SlimP 

Because I was planning a home birth last time but ended up in hospital, I had nothing with me. No toiletries, clothes, diapers, nada. We only stayed 12 hours though and DH brought in baby clothes. Some of the staff were kinda shaking their heads in dismay at me though......

Yup I did that too.  I didn't even have a bag packed.  Live and learn!!!  I had to go home in clothes that DH went back to get - and he somehow managed to dig down through all my maternity wear to pull out a pair of cords that I hadn't worn since first trimester.  Shockingly, they fit - but they weren't the most comfy things to wear home.  Still, not the worst part of the whole experience.  I can see me packing an awesome bag and then forgetting it, but I can't say as this thought makes me actually worried at all.

I forgot to put toothpaste/brush on my list.  Good call, akind1.